Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) is the lead economic development agency for the area. Funded by the County of Lambton, we have a focus on promoting the distinct advantages that Sarnia-Lambton proudly offers companies and residents. By coordinating community-based initiatives and working to maintain a commercially attractive environment, we foster new business creation, help ensure that established firms remain and grow here, and work to attract growing businesses to the area.
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Last updated on Apr 2nd, 2026
Recent Activity
Wildfire smoke workplace-safety resource share
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership shares a WSPS article offering six practical ways employers can protect workers from wildfire smoke, with emphasis on outdoor workers and reducing indoor smoke infiltration. The guidance links to step by step controls and communication tips employers can apply now while air quality is affected in parts of Northern Ontario.
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Ontario Made Awards nominations
Nominations for the Ontario Made Awards are open through July 24, 2026; the awards honor Ontario manufacturers and retailers that strengthen local supply chains and promote Ontario made products. If your business is producing or sourcing locally, submit a nomination via bit.ly/ontariomadeawards to be considered for recognition.
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Northern Shield Energy Corridor announcement
Ontario announced the Northern Shield Energy Corridor on July 15 2026, a proposed 3,300 kilometre pipeline to move an estimated 500,000 barrels per day from Alberta’s oil sands to Sarnia, with expansion capacity to 800,000 barrels per day. Built with Ontario steel and by Ontario workers, the plan also includes a feasibility study for a Strategic Petroleum Reserve that would use existing refining and storage infrastructure to strengthen domestic fuel security.
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Starter Company Plus
Starter Company Plus is accepting applications through July 15, 2026, offering selected entrepreneurs up to $5,000 plus personalized coaching and mentorship. The program is delivered locally by the SLEP Business Enterprise Centre in partnership with the Province of Ontario; learn more and apply at the Sarnia Lambton Economic Partnership website.
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Manager, Business Enterprise Centre
Kelly Hill has been named Manager of the Business Enterprise Centre at the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, bringing more than 20 years of experience in finance, strategic planning, and business growth. She will lead efforts to support entrepreneurs and small businesses with starting a business, accessing funding opportunities, business planning, growth, and mentorship across Sarnia Lambton.
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Hustle, Hobby, or Hard No
Hustle, Hobby, or Hard No is a free SLEP webinar on Wednesday, July 22 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM that helps you decide whether to pursue self employment, grow a side hustle, or leave an idea as a hobby. Run by the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, the session offers practical tests and next steps and you can register now at the provided link.
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Sarnia-Lambton site selection and industrial infrastructure overview
Sarnia-Lambton positions itself as a well connected region for industrial investment, offering greenfield sites, existing buildings, rail access, and reliable energy capacity. With direct access to Highway 402 and the Blue Water Bridge, the region reaches 65% of U.S. markets within a day’s drive, and Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership provides tailored site search, evaluation, tours, and permitting support.
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2026 Summer Company Program participants announcement
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership announced six young entrepreneurs selected for the 2026 Summer Company Program, each receiving funding, training, and mentorship through the Business Enterprise Centre. Read the media release to meet the participants and learn about their businesses at the provided link.
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Business Coffee Chat
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership invites local business owners to Business Coffee Chat on July 15, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at The Bridge - Patisserie & Café. Stop by with a question or an idea to get practical conversation and to meet the SLEP team in a relaxed setting.
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July newsletter release and regional economic updates
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership published its July newsletter on 2026-07-02 with updates on investment attraction, business support programs, workforce initiatives, and funding opportunities across the region. Subscribe at bit.ly/SLEPNewsletter or view past issues at the Sarnia Lambton newsletters archive to stay informed.
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Canada Day closure and reopening notice
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership is closed for Canada Day on July 1 and will reopen on Thursday, July 2. The message sends holiday wishes and notes that regular office services resume on the reopen date.
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Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (2026 application period)
The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund is open for its 23rd funding period, accepting applications from June 30 to September 23, 2026, with notifications on December 17, 2026. Businesses and municipalities in Southwestern Ontario can contact Economic Development Officers at 519-332-1820 or contact@sarnialambton.on.ca for application advice and details at the official program page.
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Volunteer Board of Directors Recruitment
The Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park is recruiting volunteer Board of Directors members to help steer regional innovation and business growth, with applications accepted until July 17, 2026. Community minded leaders are invited to review role duties and apply via the project website to contribute governance experience to this regional hub.
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Sarnia-Lambton Immigration Task Force
The Sarnia-Lambton Immigration Task Force marks five years of partner collaboration to strengthen workforce growth and support newcomer success in the region. Partners include Lambton College, the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, the Sarnia Lambton Immigration Partnership, and community organizations. Read the media release for full details at the provided link.
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Sarnia-Lambton Property Search Tool
The Sarnia-Lambton Property Search Tool from the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership lets businesses browse commercial and industrial listings with Map View, Street View, and virtual tours. Visit sarnialambton.on.ca, hover over Site Selection, and choose Property Search Tool to begin exploring available sites across Sarnia Lambton.
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2026 Annual General Meeting
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership held its 2026 Annual General Meeting on June 23, bringing municipal leaders, board members, and business stakeholders together. Speakers included Ati Powell and Svetlana Alekseeva, with a policy perspective from the Honourable Sam Oosterhoff, and networking breakfast sponsorship from Bluewater Power.
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Starter Company Plus
Starter Company Plus in SarniaLambton offers entrepreneurs personalized coaching, mentorship, and access to local business expertise, with selected participants eligible for up to $5,000 in grant funding. Applications are open from June 15 to July 15, 2026, and the program is delivered locally by the SLEP Business Enterprise Centre in partnership with the Province of Ontario. Apply at the program page on the Sarnia Lambton website.
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2026 Sarnia-Lambton Small Business Support Grant recipients announced
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership announced the 2026 Small Business Support Grant recipients on 2026-06-18, naming nine local businesses set to strengthen operations across Lambton County. The media release linked by the Partnership provides full details about the awards and their expected impact on local growth.
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2026 Sarnia-Lambton Small Business Support Grant recipients
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership announced the 2026 Small Business Support Grant recipients on June 18, naming ten local businesses from The Tin Fiddler to Subsea Propulsion Systems. The release notes these recipients are investing to strengthen operations and support future growth across Lambton County, with a media release available for more details.
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Tourism Sarnia-Lambton — Volunteer Board Recruitment
Tourism Sarnia-Lambton is recruiting volunteer board members, seeking Lambton County residents with passion for tourism, strategic leadership, and creative energy. Applications are open through JULY 3, 2026, and interested candidates can apply online via the provided link to join a team shaping regional tourism growth.
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Build Communities Strong Fund (Local Impact Stream)
FedDev Ontario is delivering the Build Communities Strong Fund Local Impact Stream from 2026 to 2030 to support public facing community infrastructure projects across southern Ontario. Eligible recipients include not for profits, Indigenous not for profit organizations, municipal and local governments, BIAs, and public sector bodies that provide municipal type infrastructure services. Visit the FedDev Ontario program page to review eligibility and application details.
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Summer BBQ Bash
Durlon Sealing Solutions is hosting a Summer BBQ Bash in Sarnia on June 23 from 11 AM to 2 PM to celebrate the opening of its new location. The community is invited to connect with the team, learn about operations, and support St. Clair Child & Youth Services through voluntary donations; RSVP details are on the event flyer.
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Small Business Finance Webinar Series — Session 5: Income Tax Planning for Small Businesses
Session 5 of the Small Business Finance Webinar Series brings Kelly Hill of Profit & Lattes for a one hour online workshop on income tax planning for small businesses on June 17. Learn essential tax obligations, deduction strategies, and organization best practices to reduce stress at filing time; register at the Sarnia Lambton event page.
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Develop an export plan webinar
The Government of Ontario is offering a free webinar on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM that teaches businesses how to develop an export plan. Expect practical guidance on market selection, export readiness and regulatory and logistics considerations, with steps to turn planning into actionable growth tactics. Register at the provided EventMobi link to join.
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Canada Investment Roadshow Asia 2026 delegation
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership CEO Matthew Slotwinski joined the Canada Investment Roadshow Asia 2026 in Japan and South Korea to showcase Sarnia-Lambton strengths in energy, hydrogen, chemicals, and advanced manufacturing. The delegation worked with Global Affairs Canada, the Trade Commissioner Service, Invest in Canada, and Invest Ontario to engage companies exploring North American expansion.
